Reform and Resistance in Aboriginal Education

A good education is essential for making a successful life in the modern world. This book argues that Australia's Indigenous students are not being well served by the education systems. There are exceptions and some programs work well, but the system fails the majority of students. The book analyzes the reasons for this failure by looking at the context, history and social realities affecting Aboriginal education. Well researched and strongly argued chapters on the family, language, health, attendance, classroom management and the criminal justice system locate education as a dynamic part of society. The interaction between school and other agencies is given special attention. As well as looking at problems, the book provides directions for solutions. The dilemmas of the remote area school are addressed, and a number of programs are examined which are succeeding in providing a better education for Aboriginal youth. Although there are no easy solutions, this book demonstrates that impressive gains can be made, and that reforms can occur with solidly based effort and good will.